Erosion on Teeth and Other Signs of Bulimia

Bulimia can cause serious damage, and it doesn’t just affect your internal organs. Your dentist can confirm that an eating disorder and teeth problems are often related. Repeated cycles of binging and purging are the primary culprit. When you vomit, your teeth are bathed in stomach acids, which are powerful enough to cause erosion of teeth. In just a few months, acid erosion can produce obvious damage. Cavities, periodontitis, and tooth loss may follow. Because dental problems appear early in the course of the disease, your dentist might be the first person to notice bulimia effects on teeth.

Restorative Dental Work for Erosion of Teeth

When bulimia effects on teeth become evident, conservative treatments may have limited value. Dentists typically recommend strict dental hygiene including twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Crowns may be needed when erosion of teeth becomes severe. When a tooth is damaged beyond repair, extraction may be the only option. Your physician may be able to refer you to a dentist who specializes in treating bulimic patients. Before having extensive restorative dental work performed, it’s best that you obtain treatment for your bulimia. If you continued to vomit regularly after dental treatment, further damage would compromise your new restorations.

Dentists Can Recognize Bulimia Effects on Teeth

Dental professionals can often recognize signs of past or present bulimia during a routine exam. If you have the disease, your teeth may appear clear in color because of severe damage to tooth enamel. They may be slightly rounded in shape. Tooth decay and gingivitis are common. The type of damage seen is similar to that of patients who had nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy treatment or who suffered severe morning sickness while pregnant. However, damage caused by bulimia is usually worse due to the long duration of the purging behaviors.

Understand Your Eating Disorder and Teeth Problems

Bulimia can destroy your general health as well as your smile. Because having an eating disorder is a serious matter, your dentist is likely to refer you for specialized treatment if he or she suspects bulimia. A medical doctor or mental health specialist can help you understand your illness, and find ways to stop your unhealthy behaviors.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Columbia, call Dental One Associates of Columbia today at (410) 346-2350 or make an appointment.

Dental One Associates offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Columbia. With 12 affiliated practices throughout Maryland, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Dental One Associates of Columbia, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Dental One Associates of Columbia.

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